Even going back to my injury ridden amateur playing days – for a host of different reasons – pre-season was something to be endured rather than enjoyed. But, as much as it’s universally loathed by many, it’s of course unavoidable.

Without the base level of fitness afforded by a good pre-season even the most amateur level of football becomes tough for the first few games of the season.

At the very top level we’re told that a poor – or non-existent – pre-season is impossible to recover from and can impact on the entire season ahead; akin I suppose to attempting the London Marathon based on two gentle jogs through Hyde Park.

So while the friendlies may a pain in the butt for most, players do in fact benefit.

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But as supporters, what do we gain from it?

As far as I’m aware, there’s no physical benefit in us limbering up our vocal chords ahead of the big KO on 17th August. No need to get to the peak of physical fitness in preparation for the march from car to turnstile. No need to rehearse the songs ahead of ‘opening night’ (actually, that’s not such a bad idea…).

I suggest everyone keeps calm and awaits August 17.

So why do we get excited by it? While some found joy in Man United losing to the A-League All Stars, does it automatically signal a disastrous season ahead? Similarly, City’s 1-0 defeat in San Jose on Saturday may have afforded those in Ipswich a rare chance to smile but, in the overall scheme of things…

It may just be me of course – perhaps I’m missing the point – but I’m struggling to find anything worth getting excited about when it comes to a friendly.

Similarly, supporters who feel the need to celebrate goals in friendlies with the same verve and passion normally reserved for a 91st minute winner are, in my mind, missing the point. Or, again, perhaps it’s me?

Why? What’s there to celebrate?

As every manager, player, support, pundit and Adrian Durham will tell you, they’d willingly trade any pre-season win with one on opening day. Obviously.

So why the excitement?

I mentioned earlier City’s defeat in San Jose; this was the second game of their US tour that began with a 3-0 win (why am I even bothering with the score) in Sacramento against a Mexican team I’d never heard of. It concludes on Wednesday with a game against Portland Timbers who, for what it’s worth, are currently second in the MLS table.

Saturday/Sunday’s game in Dionne Warwick country was streamed live on the club’s official website at the unearthly hour of 3:30AM BST with, it appears, whole legions of the Yellow Army setting their alarms to watch it.

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So it MUST be me that’s out of step.

And why did they bother?

Because, I guess, it was their first chance to see Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Leroy Fer in the yellow and green.

And THAT’s the only reason I can find to justify pre-season excitement. A first chance to see any new signings.

Apart from that, I suggest everyone keeps calm and awaits August 17.

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